Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells 🧀🌿

Ingredients

For the Shells:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan and mozzarella for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil water and cook the pasta shells until al dente.
   • Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
   • Add marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble & Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
   • Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the dish.
   • Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
   • Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
   • Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 4 Shells)